Best Water Face Serums of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Water face serums are a lightweight, fast-absorbing skincare product that delivers a high concentration of active ingredients directly into the skin. They are designed to hydrate, brighten, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. With a water base, they are perfect for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. These serums can be used as a standalone treatment or layered with other skincare products for added benefits. Whether you're looking to combat dryness, uneven skin tone, or fine lines, water face serums are a versatile addition to any skincare routine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover #TOP 1
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Serum Cover #TOP 2
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum Cover #TOP 3
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Water Face Serums

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

689973141950
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum - Hydrating, Non-greasy formula to Moisturize, Plump - 1% HA, Anti-aging, Water-Based Skincare for Face

Experience deep and long-lasting hydration with Good Molecules Serum. Notice the plumping, firming, and moisturizing effects on your skin. The potent formula with two forms of hyaluronic acid penetrates multiple skin layers, combating dehydration and loss of firmness. This serum is the perfect addition to your beauty regimen, suitable for all skin types. Apply it in the morning and at night before oils, creams, and moisturizers for best results. Its gentle and powerful formula will help your skin maintain its radiant glow, appearing supple, smooth, and firm.

What We Like
Deep Hydration
Plumping and Firming
Perfect for All Skin Types

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Serum

The Face Shop
56001378
Pink
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Serum Cover
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Vegan Serum - Targets Uneven Skin Tone & Dryness, Brightening, Nourishing, Hydrating Face Serum - Rice Water, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide Serum - Korean Skin Care

The Face Shop Rice Serum is a lightweight formula designed to enhance your skin's appearance. This serum uses freshly harvested rice that has been fermented with yeast from white hibiscus flowers, promoting a brighter complexion. Its non-sticky, rice water-like texture absorbs quickly, making it ideal for daily use. Whether your skin is normal, oily, dry, or combination, this serum effectively targets uneven skin tone and dryness, helping you achieve a more balanced and hydrated look. Enjoy the nourishing benefits that this serum brings to your skincare routine.

What We Like
Brightens skin tone
Hydrating and nourishing
Lightweight, non-sticky texture
Fast absorption

Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

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Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum Cover
Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying & Hydrating Daily Skin Booster, Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Face, Plumps & Hydrates, Repairs Skin Barrier, Lightweight Moisturizing Gel, Fragrance Free & Oil-Free

Vichy Mineral 89 is a bestselling facial serum that is designed to strengthen and repair your skin barrier with pure hyaluronic acid and 15 mineral-rich Vichy Volcanic Water. This daily hydrating and plumping booster is clinically tested by dermatologists on women worldwide, making it safe and effective for all skin types. The fragrance-free formula of only 11 ingredients is alcohol-free and silicone-free, making this lightweight and fast-absorbing translucent booster a convenient addition to your skincare routine. Additionally, the product is accepted by the National Eczema Association.

What We Like
Formulated with pure hyaluronic acid and 15 mineral-rich Vichy Volcanic Water to strengthen and repair your skin barrier
Clinically tested by dermatologists on women worldwide, making it safe and effective for all skin types
Fragrance-free formula with only 11 ingredients that is alcohol-free and silicone-free, making it lightweight and fast-absorbing

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum

OC-CSNI-EU10
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum with 17% Hydration Complex, Lightweight Daily Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum for Dry Skin, Oil-Free Fragrance-Free, 1 Fl Oz

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a daily facial serum that deeply quenches dry skin with a 17% Hydration Complex, delivering both high and low weight hyaluronic acid to instantly hydrate and leave skin feeling supple and refreshed. Suitable for all skin types, it is proven to smooth skin and hydrate for 24 hours, making it the perfect addition to your hydrating skincare routine.

What We Like
Lightweight and fragrance-free
Effective hydration for dry skin
Contains vitamin B5 for enhanced results
Quick absorption into the skin
#TOP 5

BOLYDOOM Rice Serum for Face

BOLYDOOM
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
BOLYDOOM Rice Serum for Face Cover
Rice Serum for Face, 2Pcs Rice Water Face, Rice Serum with Rice Raw Pulp Essence, Hydrating Serum for Dry Skin, Deep Moisturizing Nourish Facial Serum Essence, Smooth Fine Line, Restore skin Elasticit

The BOLYDOOM Rice Hydrating Serum is formulated with rice raw pulp essence, providing a light, non-greasy texture that hydrates and repairs your skin barrier. This serum deeply moisturizes, ensuring your skin feels soft and smooth while balancing oil and moisture levels. It also helps reduce the appearance of large pores and dull skin by gently exfoliating and delivering continuous hydration. Suitable for all skin types, this serum effectively addresses issues like excess oil and dryness, making it a versatile addition to your skincare routine.

What We Like
Deep hydration
Reduces fine lines
Improves skin texture
Suitable for all skin types
#TOP 6

Plum Niacinamide Face Serum with Rice Water

Plum
PLRW0030FSE3072
Transparent
Plum Niacinamide Face Serum with Rice Water Cover
Plum 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with Rice Water | Vitamin B3 with Japanese Fermented Rice Water | For Clear, Blemish-Free, Bright Skin | Suits All Skin Types | Fragrance-Free | 1.01 Fl Oz

Plum Niacinamide Serum is a 10% niacinamide face serum enriched with Japanese fermented rice water. It actively works on blemishes, post acne marks, and soothes active acne while regulating sebum production for all skin types. The serum contains key ingredients such as rice ferment, caffeine, and squalane, which help improve skin texture, minimize pore appearance, and protect from sun damage. It's quick-absorbing, non-greasy, and fragrance-free, suitable for daily use. Simply apply 2-3 drops after cleansing and before moisturizing, and experience the benefits of boosted skin barrier health, soothed acne, and protection against sun damage.

What We Like
10% Niacinamide
Fragrance-Free
Regulates Sebum Production
#TOP 7

Bubble Water Slide Hydrating Serum

Bubble
108006
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Bubble Water Slide Hydrating Serum Cover
Bubble Skincare Water Slide Hyaluronic Acid Serum - Hydrating Face Serum for Skin Barrier Repair - Helps Reduce Signs of Redness & Revitalizes Dry Skin - Suitable for All Skin Types (30ml)

The Bubble Hydrating Serum is designed to boost your skin's hydration effectively. With its unique milky-gel texture, this serum absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth without any sticky residue. It features squalane, which helps lock in moisture and strengthen your skin's barrier. Additionally, the combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid revitalizes your skin with every drop. The inclusion of peptides and ceramides not only enhances moisture but also helps reduce redness, promoting a more even skin tone. Use it after toner and before moisturizer for optimal results.

What We Like
Lightweight, non-sticky formula
Strengthens skin barrier
Reduces redness
Quick absorption
#TOP 8

SKINFOOD Rice Daily Serum

1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
SKINFOOD Rice Daily Serum Cover
SKINFOOD Rice Daily Serum, Korean Skincare Facial Essence for Glow Glass Skin, Fermented Natural Rice Water Milk for Face, Pore Minimizing, Deep Hydrating, Dark Spot Correcting, 55ml/1.86fl.oz.

SKINFOOD Rice Serum offers a unique blend of Icheon rice and premium ingredients to help you achieve a radiant, glass-like complexion. This serum targets multiple skin concerns, including pore size and elasticity, providing a smoother, more refined appearance. Packed with nutrients, it deeply hydrates your skin, ensuring it stays moisturized and healthy. Additionally, the formula works to reduce dark spots, enhancing your skin's overall clarity. Incorporating this serum into your routine can elevate your skincare experience and bring out your skin's natural beauty.

What We Like
Minimizes pores
Deeply hydrating
Reduces dark spots
Enhances skin clarity
#TOP 9

Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Serum

3318390
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Serum Cover
HERITAGE STORE Rosewater Facial Serum, 1% Hyaluronic Acid - Deep Hydration for Dry/Combination Skin Care - Minimizes Look of Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Adds a Natural Glow - Hypoallergenic, Vegan, 2oz

The Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Serum is formulated with 1% hyaluronic acid and sodium PCA in a clean rose water base to provide deep hydration for dry/combination skin care. It helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while adding a natural glow to the skin. The serum is hypoallergenic, vegan, and contains gentle botanicals. It is good for people and the planet as it is made without dyes, alcohol, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

What We Like
Locks in moisture with 1% hyaluronic acid and sodium PCA in a clean rose water base.
Helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles with powerful humectants, giving skin a plumper, firmer appearance and a youthful radiance.
Formulated with gentle botanicals and without dyes, alcohol, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
#TOP 10

Versed Water Rush Hydrating Serum

1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Versed Water Rush Hydrating Serum Cover
Versed Water Rush Intensive Hydrating Serum - Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face with Vitamin B5 - Lightweight Face Serum for Dry Skin - Sensitive Skin-Approved & Clinically Tested

The Versed Hydrating Serum is designed to instantly refresh dry skin, providing lightweight hydration without any sticky residue. This serum combines hyaluronic acid and Pro Vitamin B5 to not only boost moisture levels but also soothe your skin, making it feel calm and nourished. It's suitable for all skin types and is dermatologist-tested, ensuring it's safe for sensitive skin. You can easily incorporate this serum into your daily routine by applying it to your face and neck, allowing it to absorb before adding other products, ensuring your skin is prepped for maximum hydration.

What We Like
Instant hydration
Soothes sensitive skin
Lightweight and non-sticky
Clinically tested
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are water based face serums?

Water based serums have a lighter gel like texture and absorb quicker into the skin for active ingredients to go to work! Water based serums usually contain a base of H2O or aloe. These products are targeted for high amounts of vitamin c or hyaluronic acid.

2. Is oil based or water based serum better?

Water-based serums absorb much more quickly into the skin, so it is easier to apply makeup on top of a water-based serum, hence they work well in the mornings. Oil-based serums could be used at night, oils take longer to soak into the skin, but will leave your skin revitalised in the morning.

3. When should I use water based serum?

Time of use If you are applying your serum in the morning, a water-based serum may be a better choice. Water-based serums absorb much more quickly into the skin than do oil based serums and it is easier to apply makeup on top of a water-based serum.

Editor's Notes

During our water face serum research, we found 48 water face serum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 232,177 customer reviews through our big data system to write the water face serums list. We found that most customers choose water face serums with an average price of $17.93.

The water face serums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of water face serums, including Good Molecules, The Face Shop, Vichy, TENA, BOLYDOOM. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,852 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.